Resumo. The predator anthocorid Montandoniola confusa Streito & Matocq has been reported as a key predator of Gynaikothrips ficorum Marchal, a monophagous species of gall-forming thripes attacking ficus trees such as Ficus microcapra L.f. (Moraceae). This species of ficus has been introduced in various regions, including in Brazil for urban forest composition. This study evaluated the development and reproduction of the predator fed its natural prey in comparison to eggs of Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) and Sitotroga cerealella Oliver, used as factitious prey. The predator exhibited shorter nymphal development and greater viability fed thripes or eggs of Anagasta kuehniella compared to Sitotroga cerealella. The predator fed thripes produced 2.37 and 3.71 more eggs compared to eggs of Anagasta kuehniella and Sitotroga cerealella, respectively. Eggs of the factitious prey furnished development and reproduction of the predator, although resulting in lower performance compared to its natural prey.